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Local sports digest: Earthquakes' Chris Wondolowski, Victor Bernardez named to MLS Best XI team

Bay Area News Group

Posted:
11/26/2012 09:54:53 PM PST

Updated:
11/26/2012 10:39:11 PM PST

The Earthquakes' Chris Wondolowski and Victor Bernardez were named to the MLS Best XI team Monday, and both players are in line for further postseason awards this week.

Wondolowski, the Golden Boot winner for the second time in three seasons, was the only American-grown forward to make the all-star team. He was joined by French star Thierry Henry of the New York Red Bulls and Irish standout Robbie Keane of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Danville native tied the single-season scoring record with 27 goals to lead the Quakes to their second Supporters' Shield title in team history. He is a finalist to win the league's most valuable player award, which will be announced Thursday.

Bernardez, a Honduran international defender, was joined on the back line by Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin. Sporting's Jimmy Nielsen also was picked as the top goalkeeper. Bernardez is a finalist for newcomer of the year that is scheduled to be announced Wednesday.

The Best XI's four midfielders were Osvaldo Alonso of the Seattle Sounders, Landon Donovan of the Galaxy, Chris Pontius of D.C. United and Graham Zusi of Sporting Kansas City.

The Earthquakes' Frank Yallop is a finalist for coach of the year and striker Alan Gordon a candidate for comeback player of the year. Both awards are scheduled to be announced Tuesday.

High school

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Sobrato High receiver Jojo Nunn suffered a spinal fracture in his neck and a mild concussion during a playoff game against Valley Christian, his coach, Nick Borello, said Monday.

The junior was taken off the field Saturday night on a stretcher and transported to Regional Medical Center after being hit on a pass play in the Central Coast Section Division III semifinal at Live Oak High in Morgan Hill.

Nunn was not kept overnight. He will be re-evaluated in six weeks and will wear a neck brace until then, Borello said, adding that the player will not need surgery.

Nunn, who was home Monday, said, "I'm not really relieved, but it could have been way worse than a break."

Asked about the play, which occurred in the closing minutes of Sobrato's 52-42 loss, Nunn said, "I knew the hit was going to come. I was just seeing what I could do to get the ball."

The injury came two days after San Jose lineman Isaiah Espinoza was taken to Valley Medical Center by ambulance after suffering a spinal contusion in the annual Big Bone Game on Thanksgiving Day against Lincoln.